Drillers down Cincinnati 36-24
March 28, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Beaumont Drillers News Release
CINCINNATI -- The Beaumont Drillers were down 21-18 at the half but outscored the Cincinnati Marshals 18-3 in the final two quarters to defeat the Marshals on the road at US Bank Arena in front of 6,751 fans by the score of 36-24 to improve to 2-1 on the year.
Up 30-24 with just over two minutes remaining in the game, the Marshals had a first and goal situation from the Beaumont 3-yard line but the Driller defense kept them from scoring as defensive back Shawn Manning broke up a pass from quarter Brett Dietz to end Cincinnati's hopes.
Starting running back Anthony Johnson suffered a shoulder injury in Beaumont's opening possession and his replacement Roland Hayes then set a Driller franchise record finishing the game with five rushing touchdowns to go along with 100 yards rushing on 22 carries. With the five scores, Hayes now has 11 for the year.
"This was a big win for this team," said Beaumont head coach Kyle Mackey. "It was our first road game of the season and it was in front of a big, hostile crowd. Rolland (Hayes) stepped up in a big way and the offensive line did a great job opening holes for him. Our defense once again was exceptional. They made plays when they had to and once again (Randy) Chappell and (Shane) Winchester were all over the field."
Receiver Chad Luttrull caught six passes for 92 yards including a 38-yard score from Kasey Nonette as the final seconds ticked off the clock.
Returning from a broken leg suffered last August in Green Bay Packer training camp, Shockmain Davis returned to the lineup and his first kickoff return went for 43-yards. He returned five kicks for 102 yards averaging just over 20 yards per return.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Drillers limited the Marshals to 204 total yards. Randy Chappell had 11 total tackles (10 solo) and linebacker Shane Winchester had 9.5 tackles with six for a loss of 10 yards, six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups and one blocked field goal.
For the Marshals (0-1), Rayshawn Askew rushed for 73 yards on 21 carries with two scores. Quarterback Brett Dietz threw for 128 yards on 12-of-23 attempts with one touchdown and one interception. Beaumont-native Tobias Deans led Cincinnati with five catches for 59 yards and one touchdown.
The Drillers are off this week and will travel to Lubbock (0-2) to face the Lonestars on April 9. The Drillers will return to Beaumont on Sat., April 16 to host Cincinnati at Ford Arena at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Ford Park Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from March 28, 2005
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- Drillers down Cincinnati 36-24 - Beaumont Drillers
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